"The First World War, like the Second, was to have a profound impact upon the development of European integration. However, the First World War also ushered in a period of violent instability which dramatically shaped the form of integration in Europe. It is the central contention of this book that the integration process can only be understood and assessed in the light of this instability." "In this broad-ranging, chronological study, the author charts the development of European integration since 1914, from Pan-Europa to the relative uncertainty of the post-Cold War period. The volume will be of interest to students, academics and researchers."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This book asks anew whether there really was European integration before 1914. By focussing on quantitative (economic indicators) and qualitative data (the international regulation of patents, communication networks, social policy and plant protection), the authors re-evaluate European integration of the time and address the politics of seemingly apolitical cooperation. The authors show that European integration was multifaceted and cooperation less the result of intent, than of incentives. National polities and international regimes co-shaped each other. The result is a book that achieves two things: offer stand-alone chapters that shed light on specific developments and – these read altogether – develop a bigger picture. It will be of interest to researchers and students of economic history, as well as those interested in the history of internationalism and globalisation.

The period since 1945 has seen political events and socio-economic developments of enormous significance for the human race. This series explores these developments.

The contributors to this volume, all leading specialists in the field of EU studies, examine the trajectory of the EU and draw on the theoretical tools of historical institutionalism to assess the central political challenges facing the EU.

The foundation of the European Union was one of the most important historical events in the second half of the 20th century. In order to fully appreciate the modern state of the EU, it is crucial to understand the history of European integration. This accessible overview differs from other studies in its focus on the major roles played by both the United States and European multinational corporations in the development of the European Union. Chronologically written and drawing on new findings from two major archives (the archives of the US State Department and Archive of European Integration), this book sheds crucial new light on the integration process. The History of European Integration offers a major contribution to our understanding of Europe’s postwar history, and will be essential reading for any student of postwar European History, Contemporary History, European Politics and European Studies.